Top commercial grain farmer and top developing farmer acknowledged in this years Grain Producers Awards

In this regard grain producers in South Africa can distinguish themselves amongst the best in the world. Grain SA not only recognises the finalists of the Grain Producer and the Developing Grain Producer of the Year but also ALL grain producers of South Africa.

Grain SA's Grain Producer and Developing Grain Producer of the Year were announced on Friday, 12 October 2012 at a prestigious event at The Theatre on the Track in Midrand. This was the 13th Grain Producer of the Year award ceremony and it was an unforgettable event.

The Grain Producer of the Year for the commercial producers' category was awarded to Gilly Scheepers from the Fouriesburg area while Israel Motlhabane from Wesselsbron was awarded the winner for the Developing Grain Producer of the Year.

The Grain Scientist/Agriculturist of the Year award was given to Professor Maryke Labuschagne of the University of the Free State.

The six finalists, three from each of the two categories, are all exceptional producers with diverse management styles and the judges were faced with a very difficult task. Every one of them is a role model in own right and has managed his talents and the opportunities offered in a unique way.

In the commercial category the three finalists showed the competitiveness of grain producers in South Africa and also the difference they can make. They set the bar to which developing producers should strive.

It is clear that the support from Grain SA is a catalyst for the quantum leaps made by the developing producers on their way to commercialisation.

All the finalists believe in, and have a passion for the grain industry which is contagious. It is becoming clear that the gap between the developing producers and the commercial producers is becoming smaller each year.

The prizes of the finalists are sponsored by Syngenta. Gilly & Reneè Scheepers can enjoy a seven day holiday in Switzerland during which they will also have the opportunity to visit the Syngenta head office, as well as the research plant in Stein, whilst the runner-ups, Francois & Pieter Eksteen and Johan & Johan (Jnr) van Huyssteen, and their partners can look forward to a weekend at the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa.

The Developing Grain Producer of the Year and all prize monies were sponsored by ABSA. Israel Motlhabane's prize money is R27 500 whilst the other finalists, John Motsoeneng and Khaya Nkuhlu, both get R13 750.

The event was honoured to host Minister Naledi Pandor from Home Affairs and Dr Pieter Mulder, Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Representatives of various agricultural businesses, input suppliers and trusts were present at the function.

Grain SA would like to thank all sponsors for their contributions and convey our appreciation for their support.